Elizabeth Taylor’s jewellery collection recently went to auction at $150 million. The auction collection showcased some of her most famous jewellery pieces, as well as some of her clothing, art, and personal memorabilia. It was a wonderful opportunity for Elizabeth Taylor’s fans and admirers to appreciate her jewellery collection and celebrate her life and legacy.
About Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor was one of film’s most celebrated movie stars. She enjoyed a sparkling career spanning more than six decades, starring in classic films such as Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Giant, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
With her undeniable beauty and impressive talent, Elizabeth Taylor quickly became an audience favourite. From a confident child actor to an unforgettable leading lady, Taylor was committed to playing strong and unapologetic women on screen. For her work she earned five Oscar nominations and two Best Actress awards.
Off-screen, after the tragic death of her close friend Rock Hudson from HIV, Elizabeth Taylor began focusing her efforts on philanthropy and trying to find a cure for the disease. It was in 1991 that she launched the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation in an effort to provide much needed support for those who were sick, as well as funding essential research to help uncover more advanced treatments.
In addition to her film career and philanthropic work, Elizabeth Taylor also made headlines with her scandalous love life. She was married eight times and details of her private life were often printed all over the papers. However, despite the many challenges of living in the limelight, she found the most joy and love in her family. She had four children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Elizabeth Taylor passed away at 79 years of age. Her son Michael released a statement after her death saying: “My mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humour, and love…We will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world.”
Elizabeth Taylor’s Impressive Jewellery Collection
Over the course of her life, Elizabeth Taylor built one of the world’s most beautiful, sentimental, and valuable jewellery collections. Her impressive jewellery collection included famous pieces from Tiffany, Bulgari, Cartier, and Boucheron.
Most of her iconic pieces were gifted to her from male admirers and nearly every item of jewellery had sentimental value. She had an eye for beauty and chose her jewellery carefully, being sure to admire the quality and unique history of each piece.
Taylor Believed Jewellery Should be Enjoyed
Elizabeth Taylor was well-known for incorporating her favourite pieces within her films and showcasing pieces on her famous red carpet walks. Unlike some superstars, she did not believe in purchasing jewellery only to lock it away in a vault, nor did she believe in wearing borrowed jewellery on the red carpet.
It was this commitment to only wearing her own pieces that made her jewellery so valuable. Elizabeth Taylor truly believed that jewellery should be worn, enjoyed, and admired.
A Record-breaking Jewellery Auction
Elizabeth Taylor recognised the true value of her jewellery and that’s why she planned, in the event of her death, for an auction to be held on her behalf by Christie’s.
This record-breaking auction was held after her death in 2011 and attracted some of the world’s most rich and famous, earning over $156 million in jewellery sales (including over $11.8m for a pearl necklace and $8.8m for a diamond ring gifted to her by Richard Burton) – setting the world record for the most valuable sale of jewellery pieces in auction history.
What Jewellery Meant to Elizabeth Taylor
According to Elizabeth Taylor herself in a note at the beginning of her book My Love Affair with Jewelry:
“Some of my pieces are newer than others, yet each has a profound meaning for me. Above all, the importance of the jewelry is emotional and psychological, and I knew that I wanted to share my collection with others so that they could get a glimpse of the joys, the thrills, and the pure happiness that these beautiful creations have given me. I hope their presence and their magic will be passed on to others, loved but not possessed, for we are all temporary custodians of beauty.”
Explore Beautiful Vintage Pieces
At Cry for the Moon, we have a stunning collection of vintage jewellery that we encourage you to explore. These pieces range from secondhand and vintage to Georgian, Edwardian, and Art Deco. And many embrace the sentimentality and history that drew Elizabeth Taylor herself to different jewellery pieces over the years.
We hope they inspire you.
Image sources:
Wiki Commons | Wiki Commons | Wiki Commons
